Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Washington
Washington's average residential electricity rate is 14.7¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 13th cheapest in the country, 20% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $125 per month.
Per hour
$0.51
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.12
8 hours/day
Per month
$125
851 kWh
Per year
$1,502
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Washington
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.06 | $62.56 | $751 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.12 | $125 | $1,502 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $8.23 | $250 | $3,005 |
Washington vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a central air conditioner in Washington?
At Washington's current average residential rate of 14.7¢/kWh (July 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.12 per day, $125 per month, or $1,502 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Washington more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Washington's rate is about 20% below the U.S. average: $125 per month here versus $156 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Washington right now?
Washington residents pay an average of 14.7¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 13th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.